The bell rings again at Solton Manor

During the recent restoration of The Old Stables, designed by Michelle Shakallis as a beautifully considered indoor ceremony space, a long-forgotten antique bell was discovered.

Once used to call in the farm hands at the close of each day, the bell has been carefully reinstated above the getting ready room, now known as the Bell Tower Barn. The bell rings once more, no longer to mark the end of the working day, but the beginning of something altogether more celebratory; a new chapter for the estate and for the couples who marry here.

Set in the peaceful countryside of East Langdon, near Dover, the estate has been welcoming celebrations for centuries. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Solton Manor blends deep heritage with a modern, exclusive-use experience, offering couples the rare opportunity to celebrate in a setting that feels both timeless and entirely their own.

Building on the momentum of 2025, the owner continues to invest in the estate, giving couples an ever greater breadth of choice in how they shape and experience their wedding day.

Solton Manor continues to evolve through thoughtful, ongoing investment, each enhancement designed to offer flexibility, comfort and a quietly luxurious sense of choice:

1. The transformation of the woodland into a dedicated romantic outdoor ceremony setting, Finet’s Glade seating 200 guests
2. The ability to marry outdoors without a fixed structure, including, weather permitting, on the front lawn of manor house
3. Enhancements to the Bell Tower Barn, including a kitchenette and bathroom along with the introduction of a beautiful accessible ground-floor bedroom supporting inclusive, multi-generational celebrations
4. The refurbishment and relaunch of Dovecote Cottage as a luxurious two-bedroom retreat
5. Increased capacity within the Dutch Barn, accommodating up to 200 seated guests and a further 50 for evening celebrations
6. The refurbishment and modernisation of the Dutch Barn Bar, enhancing the evening experience
7. The thoughtful redecoration of key rooms within the Manor House, refining its country house character
8. The appointment of Rebecca Wise as General Manager, bringing over two decades of experience in luxury wedding and hospitality management, ensuring each of these elements is delivered with exceptional care

Rebecca’s career began within the historic setting of Lympne Castle, where she developed her passion for weddings while progressing from hospitality service into wedding management. Working within such a significant heritage venue gave her an early appreciation for how architecture and landscape shape the atmosphere of a celebration.
She later expanded her operational leadership at Broome Park, the country estate near Canterbury, overseeing weddings and events.

Most recently, Rebecca was head-hunted to join Hayne House, where over the last 13 years she played an important role in its development as a wedding destination venue. She was closely involved in the build and opening of the estate’s landmark glass Orangery, helping establish Hayne House as an award-winning venue in Kent with a strong focus on sustainable hospitality.

Her experience across castles, country estates and contemporary event spaces gives her a deep understanding of how heritage venues can evolve while preserving the character and atmosphere that couples are drawn to.

With a career spanning some of Kent’s most respected venues, Rebecca brings a rare combination of operational expertise, creative vision and genuine warmth.
Her leadership will span weddings, events and accommodation across the estate, including exclusive private hire for family celebrations, corporate retreats and commercial filming (Solton Manor recently featured in Channel Four’s Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing). Alongside the ongoing developments, she will focus on further enhancing the team, ensuring every event is delivered with precision, care and calm confidence.

Rebecca brings with her outstanding organisational expertise, commercial insight and a structured yet creative approach to wedding planning.

Couples consistently describe her as calm, reassuring and quietly in control, someone who creates clarity and trust throughout the process and delivers each celebration with precision and care.

The experienced coordination team remains firmly in place, providing consistent, attentive support throughout the planning journey.

Rebecca will work closely with Office and Operations Manager Emilie Miller-Hastings, Maintenance Manager Karl Law and the wider team to ensure every detail is clear, calm and beautifully managed.

Rebecca Wise said:

“What drew me to Solton Manor was the extraordinary sense of history and atmosphere. It’s a place you feel instantly, yet it works so naturally for contemporary weddings.

I have completely fallen in love with the setting and everything it offers couples. From the gardens and surrounding grounds to the way the Manor House opens naturally onto them, it’s rare to find a place where heritage, landscape and modern hospitality work together so effortlessly.

I’m delighted to be joining the team and helping shape the next chapter for Solton Manor, including the introduction of a beautifully appointed accessible bedroom on the ground floor of the Manor House, further strengthening the estate’s ability to host inclusive, multi-generational celebrations.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting both existing and new couples and supporting them as they plan their celebrations at Solton Manor.”

The owner added:

“Rebecca is an exceptional fit for Solton Manor. Her warmth, professionalism and genuine care for couples stood out immediately, and her experience across some of Kent’s most respected venues brings invaluable insight to the estate.

We’re incredibly excited to welcome her as we move into this next phase. Rebecca’s arrival signals a confident new chapter for Solton Manor, one defined by thoughtful evolution, exceptional hospitality and celebrations that are both deeply personal and beautifully rooted in the historic landscape of the estate.”

With continued investment, a clear vision for the future, and a deep commitment to exceptional hospitality, Solton Manor is entering a new phase, one where heritage and innovation come together to create truly unforgettable celebrations.